Serbia’s FM: EU Integration Is Strategic Priority of CEI

Marko Djuric (BETAPHOTO/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated on Nov. 26 that European integration was the strategic priority of countries of the Central European Initiative (CEI) – a platform for dialogue, support and learning from each other, since it rallied EU member countries and those which have not yet joined.

During the opening address of the meeting of CEI foreign ministers in Belgrade, when Serbia is to hand over the one-year presidency of the organization to Romania, Djuric stated that Serbia’s presidency had attempted to contribute to the accomplishing of goals and strengthening of ties among the members. He said he was convinced that Romania, during its presidency, would work on advancing the accomplished results.

Djuric pointed out that the focus of Serbia’s presidency was on strengthening the ties among countries in all fields. “In that sense, bonding, in all its dimensions, was at the core of our efforts. Developing infrastructure – be it transport, energy, digital or ecological – remains the most efficient way to incite growth, improve competitiveness and bring our citizens closer,” Djuric said.

He underscored that “European integration is the strategic priority of CEI members.” “Serbia is moving on down its European path and we believe that the unified stance of CEI, rallying both the EU member countries and those which are not, represents an excellent platform for dialogue, learning from each other and support. Strengthening the process of integration in the region does not just improve stability, but also opens new roads of cooperation and development,” Djuric stated.